SAAH Rise Team
Dur E Najaf
Founder
Dur E Najaf Zahra is a passionate gender rights advocate, social entrepreneur, and founder of SAAH Rise. Hailing from South Punjab, she transformed her lived experiences into a mission to challenge patriarchy and uplift marginalized voices.
With years of work in activism and advocacy, she strives to create inclusive spaces where women and gender minorities can thrive. Through SAAH Rise, Dur E Najaf continues to champion equality and inspire grassroots change for a more just society.
Sania Zahra
Medical Anthropologist
As a Medical Anthropologist at SAAH Rise, I work to bridge gaps in understanding and promote health equity for women in Pakistan. Guided by a student-led vision, we aim to empower women, amplify hidden stories, and challenge restrictive social norms.
Recognizing that gender equality requires partnership, we engage men as allies to foster positive change. Through activism, education, and community development, SAAH Rise strives to nurture women as leaders and agents of transformation in their communities.
Salman Mahmood
Executive Director
Mr. Salman is a dedicated peacebuilder and the Executive Director of SAAH Rise. An expert in Peace and Conflict Studies and currently pursuing an MPhil in Gender Studies, he brings an interdisciplinary approach to promoting peace and inclusion.
Hailing from Bajaur, a conflict-affected region, Salman has transformed a war-torn mindset into one of creativity and dialogue. With experience working with national and international NGOs, he continues to advance initiatives in conflict resolution, social cohesion, and community empowerment.
Muhammad Ali
Social Media Manager
As a Social Media Executive at SAAH Rise, I am committed to amplifying voices and driving digital advocacy for women’s empowerment and health equity in Pakistan. Through creative storytelling, strategic campaigns, and meaningful engagement, I aim to build a strong online presence that inspires action and awareness. I believe in the power of social media to challenge societal norms, share untold stories, and connect communities for collective change. By collaborating with our team and involving men as allies, I strive to foster an inclusive digital space where women are empowered to lead, speak, and shape their own narratives.
Vikesh Kumar
Researcher
Vikesh is a passionate researcher and Volunteer Manager at SAAH Rise, committed to promoting gender equality and social inclusion. With a strong interest in human development and sustainability, he works to engage youth and communities in meaningful advocacy and research initiatives.
Through his role at SAAH Rise, Vikesh contributes to building an inclusive platform where diverse voices come together to create lasting social impact. He believes that empowering communities through awareness and education is key to achieving real transformation. Inspired by grassroots changemakers, Vikesh continues to explore ways to connect research with action for a more equitable society.
Zarmeen Kausar
Researcher
Zarmeen Kausar is a feminist scholar and social advocate from rural Sindh, holding MSc and MPhil degrees in Gender Studies from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad. She has actively promoted social awareness through her podcasts and advocacy work, focusing on feminist politics in Pakistan and journalism on social and community issues. Currently serving as a CPD Coach at the National Institute of Excellence in Teacher Education (Taleemabad and Federal Directorate of Education), Zarmeen is dedicated to advancing inclusive education and bridging academic insight with grassroots activism to foster gender equality and social justice.